Air in Dhaka world’s 4th worst Monday morning

In the wake of the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations, air quality in Dhaka remains alarmingly poor

Introduction

In the wake of the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations, with a significant exodus of residents leaving the capital for festive reunions, air quality in Bangladesh capital Dhaka remains alarmingly poor.

Dhaka’s Air Quality Ranking

Dhaka ranked fourth on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality as of April 8, 2024, with an AQI score of 163 at 9 am.

Air Quality Classification

Despite the usual dip in vehicular traffic during the holiday season, the air in Dhaka was classified as ‘unhealthy’ today, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI). This ranking places it behind only India’s Delhi, Thailand’s Chiang Mai, and Nepal’s Kathmandu, which scored higher on the AQI with readings of 233, 187, and 172, respectively.

Air Pollutants in Dhaka

In Dhaka, the predominant pollutants include particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. The city’s struggle with air pollution is not seasonal but a year-round concern, with air quality typically worsening in winter and showing slight improvement during the monsoon months.

Global Health Emergency

This persistent air pollution crisis is not unique to Dhaka; it reflects a global health emergency as highlighted by the World Health Organization. Air pollution is a silent killer, responsible for an estimated seven million deaths annually worldwide, attributed mainly to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Complexity of Dhaka’s Air Pollution Problem

The high AQI reading, despite fewer vehicles on the road, underscores the complex and enduring nature of Dhaka’s air pollution problem.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) score

2. Sustainable Development Goal: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Indicator: AQI score

3. Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Action

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• Indicator: AQI score

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:
– Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
– Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
– Climate Action (SDG 13)

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions the Air Quality Index (AQI) score as an indicator of air quality. The AQI serves as a barometer for the health implications of the air we breathe and categorizes air quality levels from ‘moderate’ to ‘hazardous’. The AQI score can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: newagebd.net

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